Programs

The AmSkills Adult Pre-Apprentice Program is   designed   to   replicate   a   real-work environment with 80% hands-on training. Pre-Apprentices must clock-in and out, meet attendance goals, participate in team building exercises and complete hands-on projects.  

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program allows students to learn foundational skills needed in the Advanced Manufacturing industry and to “explore” the top local career tracks needed including Machinist (CNC), Tool & Die Maker, Mechatronics, Electronics and Industrial Maintenance.  Based on their interest, skill level and instructor assessments, adults and veterans who successfully complete the pre-apprenticeship program have the opportunity for job placement within four to six months.

Hands-On Skills Training “Pre-Apprenticeship” (400 Hours) - 12 weeks, Monday thru Friday 7:00am - 1:00pm

Apprentice Candidates explore three AmSkills Apprenticeship tracks
80% Practical Hands-On Projects / 20% Theoretical
Tours of local manufacturers to assist in Career Track Decision
Competency skills tests on technical and soft skills
Foundational Skills include:

- Basic Tools
- Standard & Metric
- Intro to Career Tracks 
- Manufacturer Tours
- Manual Lathe & Mill
- Intro to Welding
- Fabrication & Assembly
- 3D Printing Design & Build 
- Projects in Electronics, Pneumatics & Hydraulics 
- Preparing for Job Interview:  Create Your Resume, Interviewing Skills, Mock Interviews
- Soft Skills: Teamwork, Presentation Skills, Ethics in the Workplace, Time Clock Tracking
       

Our Machining course prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate Manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools including lathes, mills, precision measuring tools, and related attachments and accessories in order to perform machining functions such as cutting, drilling, shaping, and finishing products and component parts. Students will have the opportunity receive up to 9 NIMS certifications.

Session 1: Intro to Machining
12 Weeks (96 hours)
1. NIMS - Measurement, Materials & Safety
2. NIMS - Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout
3. NIMS - Drill Press

Session 2: Manual Machining
12 Weeks (96 hours)
1. NIMS - Manual Milling
2. NIMS - Turning - Between Centers
3. NIMS - Turning - Chucking Part
4. NIMS - Surface Grinding

Session 3: CNC Machining
12 Weeks (96 hours)
1. NIMS - CNC Programming Setup & Operations
2. NIMS - CNC Milling
3. NIMS - CNC Turning

This program is based on the PMMI Mechatronics certification tests, which are nationally, industry-accepted, third-party credentials endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers' Skills Certification System.

Class time: Saturdays 7:00am - 1:00pm

Electricity Level 1:
12 weeks (70 hours)
This course covers basic safety practices for voltages up to 600 volts and knowledge of voltage, current and power AC and DC circuits, circuit analysis of series and parallel loads, and basic understanding of resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

Mechanical Components 1:
12 weeks (70 hours)
This certificate covers the principles and applications of the most commonly found mechanical drive components as used in packaging machinery and systems. Topics include simple mechanical power transmission devices such as shafts, belts, chains, cams and gears with an emphasis on application and troubleshooting.

Fluid Power 1:
9 weeks (54 hours)
This course covers the function, operation, and application of common components used in fluid power circuits and systems. It also assess the understanding of how fluid power components and accessories are placed together to create circuits and systems for powering industrial machines.

Programmable Logic Controllers 1:
10 weeks (60 hours)
This certificate covers the principles and applications of different types of logic and programming used to control packaging machinery and systems. Topics include hardware and software composition of control systems, input/output interfacing, basic logic commands and common programming instructions.

Motor & Motor Controls 1:
12 weeks (70 hours)
This course covers the principles, application, troubleshooting and maintenance of rotating electrical motors and electronic motor drives as used in packaging, processing and other manufacturing environments. Topics include motor and drive safety practices; characteristics of 3-phase power systems; speed, torque and efficiency characteristics of various types of single and three phase AC motors and various types of DC motors; AC and DC motor nameplate specifications; means of starting and braking motors; DC electronics drives and AC variable frequency, and pulse width modulated electronic drives.